Research from National University of Singapore, Children's Medical Institute reveals new findings on acute myeloid leukemia in children

03-19-2007

Research findings, "Improved outcome in childhood acute myeloid leukemia in Singapore with the MRC AML 10 protocol," are discussed in a new report. According to recent research from Singapore, Singapore, "The introduction of the United Kingdom Medical Research Council's 10th AML trial (MRC AML 10) protocol incorporating high-dose anthracycline therapy has improved outcome of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we review the results of childhood AML therapy in a Singapore university hospital over the last 17 years emphasizing toxicity and outcome."

"PROCEDURE: Retrospective analysis revealed 34 children with AML between 1988 and 2003. Prior to September 1996, therapy consisted of: POG-8498 (n=10), others (n=9). From September 1996, all but one of 15 children received MRC AML 10 treatment. At the time of analysis, 17 had died from disease, and 17 patients were alive among whom 2 had relapsed. MRC AML 10-treated patients (n=14) had significantly better 3-year overall, event-free, and disease-free survival (74% vs. 35%, 77% vs. 20%, 83% vs. 31%; p=0.019, p=0.002, and p=0.010, respectively) and were likelier to achieve complete remission (CR) than non-MRC AML 10 patients (p=0.102). Among patients who achieved CR, MRC AML 10-treated patients were significantly more likely to achieve CR after only one cycle of chemotherapy (p=0.016). Hematologic toxicity was similar among the different regimens (p=0.9). These findings suggest that MRC AML 10 treatment results in significantly superior survival, without excess toxicity," wrote R.M. Tan and colleagues, National University of Singapore, Children's Medical Institute.

The researchers concluded: "Future studies should attempt to elucidate the relative importance of individual MRC AML 10 components and reduce the high cumulative anthracycline dose without compromising outcome."

Tan and colleagues published their study in Pediatric Blood and Cancer (Improved outcome in childhood acute myeloid leukemia in Singapore with the MRC AML 10 protocol. Pediatric Blood and Cancer, 2007;48(3):262-7).

For additional information, contact R.M. Tan, National University of Singapore, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, The Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore.

Publisher contact information for the journal Pediatric Blood and Cancer is: Wiley-Liss, Division John Wiley & Sons Inc., 111 River St., Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

This article was prepared by Hematology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Hematology Week via NewsRx.com.